What happened
On September 21, 2023, at Depułtycze Królewskie (EPCD), a pilot with approximately 60 flight hours was returning to the aerodrome in a Cessna 152, registration SP-GRM, as part of CPL(A) training. While approaching the airport via the NOVEMBER waypoint, the air traffic controller instructed the pilot to join the extended downwind for runway 18L. Simultaneously, a crew consisting of an instructor and a student pilot was returning in a Tecnam P2/2006T, registration SP-CLE, and was instructed to join the third turn of the right-hand pattern for the same runway, being assigned first priority.
During the approach, the pilot of the Cessna 152 failed to visually identify the Tecnam P2006T already established in the circuit. The pilot decided to perform an orbit, but after a 90-degree turn, the aircraft entered a collision course with the Tecnam P2006T. To avoid the collision, the instructor in the Tecnam P2006T performed a rapid 200-foot descent and a right turn.
Despite the first encounter, the pilot of the Cessna 152 continued the approach toward the fourth turn. A second close encounter occurred when the Cessna 152 again placed itself on a collision course with the Tecnam P2006T. The instructor in the Tecnam P2006T was forced to execute a deep turning maneuver toward the runway and a vertical descent to maintain separation. The pilot of the Cessna 152 eventually abandoned the approach and landed after a third attempt.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight paths, controller instructions, and pilot performance. The investigation established that the pilot of the Cessna 152 was flying into the sun, which likely hindered visual acquisition of the other aircraft. The investigation also reviewed the controller's instructions and the lack of proactive warnings during the two close encounters.
Findings
- The primary cause was the pilot of the Cessna 152 continuing a visual approach despite failing to establish visual contact with the preceding aircraft, leading to dangerous proximity.
- The pilot of the Cessna 152 demonstrated a lack of situational awareness, evidenced by an improper and delayed separation maneuver during the first encounter and no corrective action during the second.
- The pilot of the Cessna 152 had limited flight experience (60 hours).
- The air traffic controller's instruction to join the extended downwind while another aircraft was entering the circuit contributed to the sequence of events.
- The air traffic controller lacked situational awareness and provided delayed critical information to both crews, failing to utilize authority to issue safety warnings.